The business skills visa category encourages successful business applicants to settle temporarily and permanently in Australia and develop new or existing businesses. This visa category provides business applicants the opportunity to invest or establish and manage a business in Australia with their family.

Most business skills visas involve a two-stage application process. At the first stage business migrants apply for a provisional visa and then if they meet certain criteria, they apply for a permanent visa.

Business people interested in migrating to Australia can be considered for a Business visa by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).

State or territory governments will identify and select skilled business people or investors they might want to nominate. State or territory governments might assess people to meet their needs before they nominate them. If you are nominated by a state or territory government and you have indicated that your points score is above the current pass mark, you will receive an invitation to apply from the SkillSelect system.

When you complete an EOI that includes one of these visa types, you will be asked which state or territory you wish to seek nomination from. You will be able to select one state or territory, or any state or territory. If you select one state or territory only, then staff from that government body will be able to view your EOI for this visa type. If you select any state or territory, staff from all state or territory governments will be able to see your EOI for this visa type.

To lodge an expression of interest the applicant must be:

• Less than 55 years of age (this can be waived if the proposed business is of exceptional economic benefit)
• Have a successful business or investment history; and
• Have adequate personal and business assets

The visa subclasses under this category include:

• Business Innovation & Investment Visas (Provisional)
• Business Talent Visa (Permanent)